Date of Birth
December 22, 1928
Date of Death
December 22, 2021
Melba McCauley, age 93, of Elburn, formerly of St. Charles, passed away December 22, 2021, and now joins a celestial celebration, not only of her birth, but that of her Savior as well.
She was born December 22, 1928, one of seven children in the family home in Plumfield, IL, to proud and loving parents. Patrick and Ellie Curry.
Melba grew up in Ziegler, IL, and attended local schools and graduated from Ziegler High School with the class of 1945.
Melba met her future husband, Jerry McCauly Sr., in the nearby town of Royalton, and it didn’t take long to figure out that they were meant for each other. They were united in marriage in 1950 and began their new life together in Royalton for a time. They moved up north to the Villa Park area, eventually welcoming two children, Jerry Jr. and Cindy, before their family was complete. In 1977, she and Jerry moved to St. Charles where they brought a legacy of memories made with their children and looked forward to making more with their grandchildren.
Melba was a homemaker of the highest order, making sure the family was never in want. Later when the children were going to high school, she entered the workforce in the accounts payable section with Omega Press, which was based in Carol Stream. When Omega closed its doors, Melba closed that chapter of her life as well, retiring in 1971.
Melba had a hard life and had few possessions growing up. She fought for everything she had and passed on that determination to her children. She was very family-oriented person and built her life around her children and grandchildren. Jerry may have been the man of the house, but everyone knew Melba was the one who kept everything (and everyone) in tip top shape. The Christmas season always brought out the best in her, as she strove to make each year better and better. Some knew Melba was an accomplished “amateur” ping pong player who possessed a wicked serve and unerring returns. Melba and Jerry Sr. renewed their vows in Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary, made even more special when grief came to call a year later when Jerry passed into a memory. She can now be reunited with her one true love and begin again the love story that already had spanned a generation of decades.
She is survived by her two children: Jerry Jr. (Patti) McCauley and Cindy (Tracy) Williams; five grandchildren: Kristy (Collin) Giesen, Rob (Kelly) Williams, Melonie (Dan) Mateja, Daniel (Ashlie) McCauley, and Scott McCauley; 11 great-grandchildren: Kayla, Molly and Luke Giesen, Rhett Williams, Dylan and Meredith Mateja, Daniel, Scott and Isabelle McCauley, and Brandon and Lily McCauley; many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Ellie Curry, her beloved husband, Jerry Sr. McCauley and 6 siblings.
Private family burial has already been held and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spectrios Institute For Low Vision, 219 Cole Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Private family burial has already been held and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
So, so sorry for your loss. Your Mom helped me a tough time when I was desperately in need of some guidance (and not from my family). I remember her fondly.